General “Joe” Hooker, the fourth commander of the noble but unfortunate
Army of the Potomac, was appointed to that position by President Lincoln
in January, 1863. General Scott, for some reason, disliked Hooker
and would not appoint him. Hooker, after some months of discouraging
waiting, decided to return to California, and called to pay his respects
to President Lincoln. He was introduced as Captain Hooker, and to the
surprise of the President began the following speech:
“Mr. President, my friend makes a mistake. I am not Captain Hooker, but
was once Lieutenant-Colonel Hooker of the regular army. I was lately
a farmer in California, but since the Rebellion broke out I have been
trying to get into service, but I find I am not wanted.
“I am about to return home; but before going, I was anxious to pay my
respects to you, and express my wishes for your personal welfare and
success in quelling this Rebellion. And I want to say to you a word
more.
“I was at Bull Run the other day, Mr. President, and it is no vanity
in me to say, I am a darned sight better general than you had on the
field.”
This was said, not in the tone of a braggart, but of a man who knew what
he was talking about. Hooker did not return to California, but in a
few weeks Captain Hooker received from the President a commission as
Brigadier-General Hooker.